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- Colosseum
- Domus Aurea
- Colosseum Underground Tours
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- Colosseum Museum
- History
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- Inside
- Palatine Museum
- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Night Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Routes
- Entrances
- Facts
- Arena Tours
- Audio Guide Tours
- Maps
- Vatican Museums
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Castel Sant Angelo
- Rome Pantheon
- Borghese Gallery
- Roman Catacombs Tour
- Bioparco Rome
- Big Bus Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
- Palazzo Barberini
- Musei Capitolini
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Trevi Fountain Tours
- Roman Baths of Caracalla
- Palazzo Merulana
- Altare della Patria
- Rome Underground Tours
- Mamertine Prison
- Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Book Palatine Hill tours
- Enjoy the flexibility to visit Palatine Hill and Roman Forum with combined entrance tickets and explore these ancient wonders at your own convenient pace.
- Experience unlimited time within the site's opening hours and stroll through the remnants of the Roman Empire, admiring incredible archaeological finds.
- Step into history on Palatine Hill and discover the ancient home of emperors. Soak up panoramic views of the Colosseum and more.
- Take in the grandeur of the Roman Forum walking by ruins of iconic temples and ancient landmarks from the Temple of Saturn to the Hut of Romulus.
- Get a ticket upgrade to include a hosted entry, 25-minute multimedia video, and assistance at the meeting point.
Inclusions
- Flexible entry or hosted entry to Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
- 25-min multimedia video (optional)
- Assistance at meeting point (optional)
- Access to the Super sites
Exclusions
- Entry to the Colosseum
- Live guide
- Tip: There are 3 gates to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It's recommended to head to the entrance on Foro Imperiali, where queues are usually shorter.
- You must carry a valid ID with you and present it at the time of entry if requested. Should you fail to do so, venue authorities may deny you entry and such instances are not liable for reschedules or refunds.
- This entry ticket does not include entrance to the Colosseum.
- Note that the following are not allowed: bottles, glasses containers, alcoholic beverages, aerosols, large luggage or bags, and pets.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Enjoy personalized and intimate experience on a small-group tour that lets you fully immerse in the rich history of 3 of Rome's architectural wonders.
- Beat the crowds on your way to the Colosseum. Dive straight into the action and get to appreciate the intricate details up close!
- Be entertained and enlightened by passionate guides who will reveal the hidden legends of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Savor picture perfect moments and sweeping panoramic views from the city's best vantage points at the Palatine Hill.
Inclusions
- Small-group guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French or German-speaking guide
- Access to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Group of up to 15 guests
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors
- Tip: At the Roman Forum, ask your guide about the ancient religious practices in the House of the Vestal Virgins, once occupied by priestesses who tended the sacred fire of Vesta.
- All members of your party must carry a valid ID to present at the time of entry if requested. Should you fail to do so, venue authorities may deny you entry and such instances are not liable for reschedules or refunds.
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is not possible to skip the lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- The tour covers all 3 sites. However, the order of sites visited may be subject to change.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Unlock 3 landmarks that are Rome's shining pride and glory – the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Delve into the bloody past of the Colosseum with the option to include a multilingual audio guide or entry to Mamertine Prison.
- Immerse in ancient life at the Roman Forum. Discover the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Septimius Severus, and many other fascinating sites.
- At Palatine Hill, you'll be privy to some of the city’s best views. It was, after all, once known as the most prestigious neighborhood in Rome!
- Psst, want to stand in the footsteps of gladiators? Check out the arena access option and gain a new perspective of the amphitheater.
Inclusions
- Access to the Colosseum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Digital audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & Chinese (optional)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena (optional)
- Timed access to Mamertine Prison (optional)
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors
- Tip: While exploring Palatine Hill, the Farnese Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the crowds. Beautifully manicured terraces, statues, and panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum await.
- The digital audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Chinese.
- Families with children will be escorted to the entrance of the Roman Forum
- Please note that timed priority entry is only available at the Colosseum, but the tickets for the Forum and Palatine will remain valid for an additional 24 hours after the Colosseum entry time selected during booking.
- You might be given a time slot 30 minutes earlier or up to 2 hours later than the one you picked, depending on what's available.
- The tickets for the Palatine and Forum will remain valid for an additional 24 hours after the Colosseum entry time selected during booking.
- Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
- It is mandatory to carry a valid ID or passport with you and present it at the time of entry if requested.
- The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
- Have your ID ready to qualify for free entry.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- On this guided tour, bypass queues efficiently to make the most of your time exploring the Colosseum, and even visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Expert guides will transport you back in time with captivating storytelling in 6 language options, unraveling the ancient secrets at these sites.
- Step into the extraordinary world of the Colosseum, where history comes alive amidst its breathtaking architecture and legendary stories.
- Get ready to uncover the past, create memories, and be part of history in ancient public spaces as you make your way through the Roman Forum.
- Stand atop Palatine Hill and take in awe-inspiring panoramas of Rome, an unforgettable backdrop that adds a touch of magic to your journey to the past.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese or German-speaking guide
- Access to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Group of up to 18 people
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors
- Tip: Visiting in the summer months? Be sure to bring a bottle of water with you and make use of the free water fountains dotted around the area.
- The tour covers all 3 sites. However, the order of sites visited may be subject to change.
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is not possible to skip the lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users or baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Rome
Why Visit Palatine Hill?
- Incredible history: Palatine Hill takes you closer to the great history of Rome. You can see the ruins of the ancient city and historical palaces and buildings.
- Beautiful gardens: Back in the day, Palatine Hill was home to the most affluent people in Rome. They owned huge palaces that had beautiful, lush green gardens.
- Nero’s Cryptoporticus: Palatine Hill has many attractions. Nero’s Cryptoporticus, an underground tunnel connecting the Imperial residence to the other public buildings, is one of the best attractions on Palatine Hill.
- A mythical location: Legend has it that La Lupa, the she-wolf who raised Romulus and Remus, found the twin inside a cave in Palatine Hill.
Your Palatine Hill tickets explained
Small-group guided tours
- These tickets allow you to explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum along with the Colosseum.
- Learn about the incredible history of these three sites in a small group of no more than 15 tourists. Your expert tour guide is dedicated to just you and your group; so rest assured, your questions will be heard and answered.
- At the Roman Forum, you will be able to explore all the important ruins such as the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus and more. Gain access to levels 1 and 2 of the Colosseum.
- You'll also be given a headset to hear your guide clearly, as these spaces are large and can get crowded.
Cancelation Policy
These tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
Guided tours
- You get to enjoy skip-the-line access (to the Colosseum only) along with the benefits of a guided tour with these tickets.
- These tours are available in various languages, including English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French.
- A guided tour is a great way to explore Palatine Hill while gaining an in-depth understanding of its history, without having to spend a whole day at the attraction.
Cancelation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 24-72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book guided toursPlan your visit to Palatine Hill
Opening hours
Location
Faciities
Visitor tips
March 1 to 30, 2024: 8:30am – 5:30 pm
Last entry: 4:30 pm
31 March 31 to 30 September: 8:30am – 7:15pm
October 1 to 26: 8:30am – 6:30pm
27 October to 31 December: 8:30am – 4:30pm
The Palatine Hill is closed on public holidays of January 1 and December 25. It will close early on March 29.
Address: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Palatine Hill is located close to both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
How to Get There
By Metro: Colosseo, line B is the closest metro station to Palatine Hill.
By Bus: Get down at Colosseo while taking a bus to Palatine Hill. 60, 75, 84, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 and 850 are the buses you can take.
By Taxi: You can get a taxi and reach Palatine Hill directly from anywhere in Rome.
- Washrooms
- Parking lot
- Benches
- Palatine Hill covers a huge area. You can only access it on foot. Ensure you’re ready physically and mentally to cover the distance.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you’ll be walking over all kinds of terrain.
- Carry an umbrella with you as rain is common throughout the year in Rome. You won’t find shelter easily on Palatine Hill.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. It's also advisable to carry a snack for your tour, especially if you're traveling with kids.
- Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and Palatine Hill are close to each other, but avoid doing them in one go. Take two days to explore the three attractions properly.
Palatine Hill Highlights
The Palace of Domitian
Palatine Hill was the home of luxury in ancient Rome. The Palace of Domitian is proof; it is the largest building on Palatine Hill, serving as the official residence of Roman Emperors for three centuries.
Houses of Livia and Augustus
The House of Augustus on Palatine Hill was a massive complex comprising many important buildings. The House of Livia, named after Emperor Augustus’ wife, “lulia Aug(usta),” was among the more popular ones.
House of Tiberius
The House of Tiberius lies on the western slope of Palatine Hill, overlooking the Roman Forum. It was erected because Tiberius, the second Roman emperor, wanted to build a new palace nearer to the Roman Forum.
Domus Severiana
Domus Severiana, now in ruins, was the last extension of the impartial palaces on Palatine Hill. It was constructed in the early 3rd century AD under Septimius Severus, the first African to become a Roman Emperor.
Temple of Cybele
Palatine Hill is home to the Temple of Cybele, Rome’s first temple to the Magna Mater (Great Mother). The Greeks called her Cybele, and the temple was built to honor the goddess and house a particular image or form of her—a meteoric stone.
Temple of Apollo Palatinus
This temple was Octavian’s most intimate building project in Rome, consisting of a famous library and statues by Greek masters. A few temple remains are kept safely in the nearby Palatine Museum.
Septizodium
The decorative facade of the Septizodium, built by Septimius Severus, was built to impress visitors coming to the Appian Way. The facade contains statues of the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
Domus Transitoria
Domus Transitoria, the first royal palace of Emperor Nero, is located in the central part of Palatine hill. Nero dedicated significant time to designing his palace, with its rooms full of precious antiques that are an indispensable part of Rome’s history.
Palatine Museum
Excavations and archaeological findings on Palatine Hill are priceless. They’re kept safely in the Palatine Museum, founded in the former Monastery of the Visitation and on the remains of Domitian’s palace in 1858.
What to see at Palatine MuseumA brief history of Palatine Hill
From 753 to 509 BC
Ancient Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus. Legend has it that he dug a well from the top of Aventine using a plow pulled by a cow and an ox. He built the walls, dug the moat, and placed the gates.
From 509 to 27 BC
Palatine Hill was the affluent part of ancient Rome. From 509 to 27 BC, the hill was transformed into a residential complex for the wealthy. Influential people owned luxurious villas on Palatine Hill.
From 27 BC to 476 AD
After the completion of the Palace of Domitian, Palatine Hill’s reputation as the center of ancient Rome skyrocketed. It dominated the landscape and oozed luxury from every part.
From 476 - 1492
Palatine Hill saw a steep decline during the Middle Ages. and found different uses. But in the late Middle Ages, it became the center of gardens and vineyards. Palatine’s fortune changed again with the rise of the House of Frangipane, with towers and fortresses built to control main roads.
From 1492 - 1789
The Renaissance Era had just begun in Italy, starting in Florence. Renowned architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, under the supervision of the Farnese family, played a significant role in preserving what was lost at Palatine Hill. The gardens were redone and the Orti Farnesiani (Farnese Gardens) has been maintained since 1550.
From 1789 - present day
Over the years, Palatine Hill was used by different people for different purposes. Villa Mattei was built in 1830 by Charles Andrew Mills. However, excavations inside Palatine Hill had begun by the 19th century. The villa was demolished as Palatine Hill was declared an archaeological site.
Frequently asked questions about Palatine Hillt tickets
What is Palatine Hill?
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills in Rome that has mythical, cultural, religious and historical significance. As it has ruins dating back to 753 BC, it is one of the important archaeological sites in Rome.
Should I book Palatine Hill tickets online or on-site?
You can buy Palatine Hill tickets at the Colosseum, at the entrance of Palatine Hill, or online. It is best advised to get your tickets online as the area is an important tourist attraction. You can buy your Palatine Hill tickets here.
Can I visit Palatine Hill with Colosseum tickets?
Yes, your Colosseum tickets include access to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
Who built Palatine Hill?
The city of Rome was founded on Palatine Hill. Augustus first built his palace here, followed by Tiberius and Domitian.
Why was Palatine Hill so important?
It is believed that La Lupa, a she-wolf, raised Romulus and Remus. Romulus was the founder of Rome. Palatine Hill was also where Roman emperors like Augustus, Tiberius and Domitian built their palaces.
Where does Palatine Hill get its name from?
There are many variations of the origin of Palatine Hill’s name. Some say it is called so because of its number of palaces. It is also believed that the hill gets its name from early Arcadian settlers who came from Pallantium. According to the legend, the hill might also get its name from the Roman deity Pales.
What is the myth surrounding Palatine Hill?
In Roman mythology, La Lupa found Romulus and Remus in a cave at Palatine Hill. Romulus founded the city of Rome, and Palatine Hill became the centre of his empire. It is also believed that Hercules defeated Cacus at Palatine Hill.
Why was Palatine Hill abandoned?
The fall of Rome due to frequent invasions of Barbarian tribes caused the abandonment of Palatine Hill.
What can I expect to see in Palatine Hill?
You will find the House of Augustus, Domus Flavia, the Palace of Tiberius, Hippodrome Stadium of Domitian, Farnese Gardens, Aqua Claudia, Temple of Apollo, Casa di Livia, House of Livia and the Hut of Romulus.
How long does it take to climb Palatine Hill?
It takes about 2-4 hours to climb and thoroughly explore all the places on Palatine Hill.
Where is Palatine Hill located?
Palatine Hill is located near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The official address is 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy.
How can I get to Palatine Hill?
You can take the metro, bus and taxi to reach Palatine Hill. The closest metro station is Colosseo. You can take buses 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 and 850 and get down to the nearest bus stop. You will find a taxi from anywhere in Rome to Palatine Hill.
What are the timings of the Palatine Hill?
Palatine Hill is open every day from about 8:30am to 6:30pm. Entry is closed on public holidays of 25th December and 1st January.
Is there a dress code to enter Palatine Hill?
As Palatine Hill is not a religious site, there is no dress code. However, wearing comfortable clothes and footwear is advisable as you will have to climb the hill.
